Actor’s Institute
June 22–28, 2025
Eager to experience university-level, professional acting training? Then join us this summer to immerse yourself in individual actor coaching and artistic collaboration for performance. Take the spotlight with an audition-ready monologue and riveting small-cast scenes under the guidance of experienced theatre practitioners.
During this residential, intensive experience, you will explore characters that take you outside your comfort zone, and you’ll learn about yourself in the process. You’ll focus on the tools you need to improve your acting and your professional maturity. Our acting training and artistic development workshops will help you prepare for the next step in your work as an emerging practitioner of the performing arts.
Students entering grades 10–12 are invited to register.
Highlights
- Participate in improvisation workshops.
- Practice movement techniques for the actor.
- Collaborate with peers and faculty in the performing arts.
- Develop skills in scene performance.
- Develop skills in monologue work.
- Participate in a devised theatre project.
- Get helpful tips in our auditioning workshop.
- Learn about professional headshots.
- Present final public performance of rehearsed work.
“The program was very fun and I definitely learned a lot! I hope to attend it again next year.”
Quote from Actor’s Institute participant.
Sunday, 2:30–4:30 p.m.
Degenstein Campus Center, Mellon Lounge
Things to Bring
- Toiletry Items
- Pillow
-
Blanket (if desired)
Linens, including sheets, a pillowcase, a thin blanket and towels will be provided. -
Snacks, drinks (if desired)
There is access to a small kitchenette with mini fridge, sink and microwave. - Blanket or beach towel to sit on for outdoor movie night
- Casual clothing for classes and social activities
- Five changes of studio attire – clothing that allows for free range of movement (e.g., athletic clothing)
- Black pants and a plain black shirt (no lettering or pictures) for the final showing on Saturday
-
Character shoes or equivalent
Hard-soled dress shoes are preferred with low heels.
No flip flops or stiletto heels will be permitted to be worn during studio classes or the final showing. - Sneakers
- Swimwear
- Tennis rackets, frisbees, etc. (if you enjoy playing)
- Writing folder/tablet, pens, pencils
- Alarm clock
- Spending money (for bookstore and evening snacks, if desired)
Health Services
While there aren’t any campus health center services available for the Summer Pre-College Programs participants, program staff will have first aid kits for minor scrapes and scratches.
Should a program participant need any emergency attention, local hospitals, and Urgent Care Centers are readily available. Parents/guardians will be contacted immediately to discuss options and insurance arrangements.
The Medical Form is a crucial part of any medical or emergency procedure and must be returned before the start of the program for the student to be considered fully registered.
Cars on Campus
If a student drives to campus for any of the Summer Pre-College Programs, the Event Management Office will hold the keys to the vehicle from Sunday afternoon to the following Saturday morning.
Leaving Campus
- Program participants are not permitted to leave campus unless the activity is part of the program’s schedule, and they are accompanied by student counselors or program directors.
- Violation of this or any other regulation established by the “Principles of Student Conduct” will forfeit a student’s participation in the program.
Cell Phones (please note)
Students may have access to their cell phones except for the following times: classroom and instruction sessions and guest speaker presentations, at which time cell phones must be put in silent mode or turned off. If you must reach your student during these times, please contact the Event Management Office at 570-372-4354.
Families can send mail to participants at the following address:
Event Management Office
Actor’s Institute
Susquehanna University
1858 Weber Way
Selinsgrove, PA 17870
Phone Numbers
To reach students on campus, please call:
-
Event Management Office
570-372-4354
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to noon and 1–5 p.m. -
University’s Main Switchboard
570-374-0101 (ask for the Event Management Office)
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. -
Susquehanna University Campus Safety
570-372-4444 or 4428 (anytime)
The Final Day (Saturday)
Final Presentation, Lunch with University Faculty and Personnel and Check-Out
-
Program participants will present their final show on Saturday from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Presentation Location: Degenstein Theater - Lunch, hosted by the faculty of the sponsoring academic department, will be immediately following the presentation for participants and their family members.
- Parents/family members are encouraged to participate in both events on Saturday and should make reservations for lunch by indicating how many guests will attend on the registration form.
- The final show and lunch will be in the same building as check-in.
- Students will check out of their rooms immediately after lunch on Saturday and must return building and room keys at that time.
- Event Management staff will be available at the residence halls to facilitate check-out.
Available Schedules
- Parents and students will receive a copy of the program’s week-long schedule during check-in.
Maps and Directions
520 University Ave.
Selinsgrove, PA 17870
View and download a printable campus map or click the button below to go to google to download and print driving directions.
Maps and Directions
151 Weber Way
Selinsgrove, PA 17870
View and download a printable campus map or click the button below to go to google to download and print driving directions.
*Participant safety is our highest priority. Susquehanna University reserves the right to cancel Summer Pre-College Programs, if necessary, to comply with local, state, and federal guidelines and recommendations and reserves the right to change course based on circumstances.
Required Forms
- Medical and Conduct Forms (PDF, Full Packet)
The $875 comprehensive fee includes room, meals, and all program materials.
- Must be registered by June 10
Scholarships
Scholarships are available based on financial need and academic performance. No full-tuition scholarships are available.
A letter from your guidance counselor, indicating your eligibility for free/reduced lunch or other measure(s) of financial need, is required for scholarship consideration.
Deadlines
All registrations must be submitted no later than June 10.
All supporting documentation must be received prior to your arrival on campus.
Summer Pre-College Programs Cancellation & Refund Policy
- Susquehanna University reserves the right to cancel any Summer Pre-College Program. If Susquehanna University cancels the program you are registered for, you will receive a full refund.
- Cancellations made at least 10 days prior to the start of the program will be refunded in full.
- Refunds will not be provided for cancellations received fewer than 10 days prior to the program.
- Early departures for reasons including but not limited to homesickness, parental request, and failure to follow the program’s principles of conduct are not eligible for refund.
- Refund requests may be submitted for early departures due to unforeseeable circumstances such as death in the immediate family or serious illness. Refunds will be reviewed and granted on a case-by-case basis.
The Actor’s Institute cultivates your artistry to improve your skills as a performer and builds on the personal characteristics that will advance your career, both on stage and off. The institute is operated by Susquehanna University faculty with stellar résumés in the theatre industry and in performing arts education.
Anna Andes, Institute Director
Dr. Andes is associate professor of theatre at Susquehanna University. She is a director and dramaturg who teaches acting, directing and theatre history. Dr. Andes specializes in connecting contemporary actors to historical works of drama. She has directed plays and musicals for the College of Charleston and Susquehanna University.
